Monday, 7 January 2013

Kidney Failure in Rabbits

Kidney failure in rabbits (also known as renal failure) is much like how humans suffer from it. They produce much less urine and don't go as much as they become dehydrated.

Types:

There is two types, acute and chronic.

Acute - This is when it can happen suddenly as of the accumulation of toxins in the kidney's, or it could be as a result of an electrolyte imbalance.

Chronic - This is when it progresses slowly, it can take over several months.

Symptoms:

Here is a list of the symptoms which your bunny may have:

Depression

Unable to eat

They have a fever

Diarrhoea

Seizures

Lack or inability to produce stools

Heart complications

Painful or tender kidneys

Causes:

The causes of this can vary, acute can happen from shock, trauma, stroke, extreme stress, heart failure or blood infection.

A urinary tract obstruction or infection which has spread to their pelvis, can cause either form of kidney failure in rabbits. Some other common causes are ageing and diabetes.

Treatment:

If they have the acute type, then they may need to have immediate fluid balance therapy which should prevent any more injury from happening. The vet will tell you what you need to do and if you need to feed them anything in particular. They may also provide a medication.

After this you will need to make sure they have lots of rest and and a good balanced diet. Make sure that they are having plenty of fluids and I have heard green vegetables are good fr helping them as well. But before you do anything, check with you vet.